SCIENCE CURRICULUM

LIFE SCIENCE Credit: 1
Grade: 9
Prerequisite None

Life Science is an introductory science course that every student must take as prerequisite for all academic science courses. This course contains curriculum standards from both Physical Science and Biology as well as introductory material that is used in all other science courses. This course is designed to be a modular course in which each module must be passed before the student will take a pretext in both biology and physical science as an indicator of their next science course – advanced or regular. The purpose of this course is for the student to successfully complete the Gateway Biology exam at the conclusion of Biology and the End-of Course exam for Physical Science.

BIOLOGY I Credit: 1
Grade: 9, 10
Prerequisite: Life Science

Biology is a progressive step from Life Science. Biology is the study of both plant and animal life from the cellular level to their interactions in the environment. The remaining Gateway curriculum standards will be included in this course. At the conclusion of this course, the students will be required to successfully complete the Gateway Biology exam that is required for graduation. This course is required.

HONORS BIOLOGY I Credit: 1
Grade: 9, 10
Prerequisite: Life Science for TECHNOLOGY Test score on pre-Gateway test (8th grade)

This course is a progressive step from life science for those students who are college-bound and have shown a strong aptitude in science. Biology is the study of both plant and animal life from the cellular level to their interactions in the environment. The remaining Gateway curriculum standards will be included in this course. Material in this course is presented with the expectation that enrolled students are going to further study science. At the conclusion of this course, the student will be required to successfully complete the end-of-course exam that is required for graduation. (See Honors Science Curriculum)

BIOLOGY FOR TECHNOLOGY Credit: 1
Grade: 9, 10
Prerequisite: Life Science

Biology for Technology is a progressive step from Life Science. Biology is the study of both plant and animal life from the cellular level to their interactions in the environment. The remaining Gateway curriculum standards will be required to successfully complete the Gateway exam that is required for graduation. This course is recommended for students following the Tech-Prep curriculum.

PHYSICAL SCIENCE Credit: 1
Grade: 9, 10
Prerequisite: Life Science

Physical Science is a progressive step from Life Science. The remaining End-of-Course curriculum standards will be included in this course. Material covered in this course includes relationships between matter and energy working in basic chemistry and physics. At the conclusion of this course, the students will be required to successfully complete the end-of-course exam that counts as a portion of the course grade.

HONORS PHYSICAL SCIENCE Credit: 1
Grade: 9, 10
Prerequisite: Life Science

Honors Physical Science is a progressive step from Life Science. The remaining End-of Course curriculum standards will be included in this course. Material covered in this course includes relationships between matter and energy working in basic chemistry and physics. At the conclusion of this course, the students will be required to successfully complete the end-of-course exam that counts as a portion of the course grade. This course is much more detailed than regular physical science and is recommended for students that are college-bound. This course is a prerequisite for Chemistry. (See Honors Curriculum)

PRINCIPLES OF TECHNOLOGY I Credit: 1
Grade: 11, 12
Prerequisite: Algebra I

Principles of Technology I is for students interested in technical careers and other secondary education students wishing to further their understanding of the physical principles underlying modern technology. The course provides an understanding of the principles of technology and the mathematics associated with them. It also helps students continually adapt themselves to the work force and its changing demands. The course uses an appealing instructional system of audiovisual presentations, texts, demonstrations, and hands-on laboratories. This course will substitute for the physical science requirement.

PRINCIPLES OF TECHNOLOGY II Credit: 1
Grade: 11, 12
Prerequisite: Principles of Tech I

This course is a continuation of Principles of Technology I. It is more difficult because of the topics and the complexity of the problem solving. The labs are much more difficult and somewhat more dangerous. The class size is limited to twenty (20). This class should be taken by those desiring a career in technology.

CHEMISTRY Credit: 1
Grade: 11, 12
Prerequisite: Honors Physical Science and Algebra I

This course is designed to help students lay the foundation needed for later study of more specialized science. It includes a study of fundamental scientific concepts which help students to better understand chemical and physical changes they encounter in everyday living. The concepts are studied and illustrated, as much as possible, by laboratory investigations which are carried out by each student. Problem solving techniques are also emphasized in the course.

BIOLOGY II Credit: 1
Grade: 11, 12
Prerequisite: Honors Biology or Honors Biology for Technology

Biology II is an intensive course that introduces students to major specialty areas of Biology. The students explore the following areas: Comparative Anatomy and Zoology, Embryology, Genetics, Immunology, Microbiology, and Botany. This course should only be taken by students planning to attend college and study in a science related field. Prerequisite of Honors Biology or Honors Biology for Technology is recommended.

PHYSICS Credit: 1
Grade: 12
Prerequisite: Algebra I, II, and Geometry

This course is intended to prepare students for further study of physics at the technical institute, college, or university level. The course covers the classical topics of physics, which deal with the various forms of energy and their effect on matter. Considerable emphasis is placed on the solution of practical problems in physics. Course uses trigonometry and calculus in solution of problems. This course should be taken by any student desiring a career in the fields of medicine or engineering.

BIOLOGY I GATEWAY REMEDIATION Credit: None
Grade: 10, 11, 12

Students who fail to pass the Gateway Test in Biology I may be assigned to this program by guidance or administration. The purpose of the program is to help the student gain the Biology I proficiency he/she needs to retake and pass the Biology I Gateway Test.

The course must be taken in the summer or the fall semester before re-taking the test.

HONORS SCIENCE CURRICULUM

Each 9 weeks Honors students will be required to do an out – of – class project:  a paper with current references and an accompanying demonstration, model or poster to present to the entire class; a study on an approved topic with documentation, such as photographs or an audio or video tape, to be presented at a science fair; or make a collection and presentation, such as an insect collection

All of the choices above will account for approximately 10% of the total 9 weeks grade.

In addition, students will be required to, Keep journal writings, Do required reading other than the textbook, Participate in more difficult laboratories (with more detailed lab reports), Be evaluated (tested) with additional discussion, essay and critical thinking question, Become familiar with producing and evaluating data by graphing.

Teachers will expect to cover more material than in a regular class, and will assign homework when applicable.